Macau - Tips for Travelers

Connection to Hong Kong

Macau and Hong Kong are well connected by frequent ferry and helicopter services almost 24 hours a day.

Free Hotel Shuttles

Most Hotels in Macau provides free shuttle for all visitors from the Macau Ferry terminal and Macau Airport to their hotels.

Some Shuttles also runs between Galaxy City Mall, Cotai Strip, and other Macau City attractions, as well as hotels between Macau Peninsula and Taipa Island. Take advantage of these free air-conditioned shuttles.

Check with your hotel concierge on the best way to catch free Shuttles to reach your destination.

Currency

Although Macau Pataca (MOP) is the official currency of Macau, Hong Kong dollars (HKD) are accepted everywhere including shops, taxi cabs, and casinos.

Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) are the currency of choice in Macau. Everybody in Macau prefers and deals freely in Hong Kong Dollars.

Note that Macau Patacas (MOP) cannot be exchanged easily in most countries outside of Macau.
Change all Macau Patacas (MOP) to either Hong Kong Dollars or US Dollars before leaving Macau.

Weather

Macau's climate is subtropical with hot summers and mild winters.
Macau weather is often hot and humid. Occasionally cold fronts in winter.

Attractions Closed day

Many Macau tourist attractions are closed on Monday so plan accordingly.

City Geography

Macau is a small city. It includes the Macau Peninsula, and Islands of Taipa & Coloane.
They are connected to each other by bridges.

Get a City map from your hotel reception or concierge and familiarize yourself with the main streets.

By car, it takes 15-30 minutes to cross Macau without traffic.

 Safety

Although Macau is a safe place, it is a tourist town.

Always be mindful of your belongings and don't take your guard down completely.

Macau has its own independent Laws, Currency, Customs, and Immigration which are different from China and Hong Kong.

Transportation

If your are in Macau Peninsula, then walking is the best option to explore the Macau Peninsula as most of the main attractions are located close together.

The streets are clean and easy to navigate. Wear a good pair of walking shoes.

You might have to take a cab or bus/shuttle to explore other parts of Macau like the islands of Taipa and Cotai strip.

 Public Toilets

Beware that clean public toilets are hard to find in the old city and historic places.

Clean toilets are not an issue in Hotels and Casino areas.

 Language

English is spoken by most hotel front-line staff, mall shops, big restaurant, and tourist places.
English is not widely spoken in Macau.

Cantonese is the most commonly spoken language of Macau.
Many locals, especially older ones speak Portuguese as it is another official language of Macau.

Remember to carry your hotel card and/or a map in case you are taking a taxi cabs.
Many hotels have ready made hotel cards with the list of Macau attractions in English and Cantonese - don't leave your hotel without one.

Electricity (Power)

Macau uses 220-240 Volts (U.S./Canada are 110-120 Volts) power supply.
You might need an adapter to plug you electrical items.

Discounts

Check for discounts online for hotels and events.
Also check with your hotel concierge for any ongoing local discounts in Macau during your trip.